In February, Darcie Willis (4) was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Darcie's mother, Cheryl Willis, said what she initially thought would be a visit to Darcie's GP to discuss her daughter's headaches and nausea turned into a six-month stint in Christchurch Hospital.
``When you get that diagnosis everything was in slow motion, but everything was spiralling out of control.
``I have never been so utterly petrified of anything in my life.''
While her daughter's diagnosis was devastating, the aggressiveness of the cancer meant it was more receptive to chemotherapy, something which she sees as a blessing from the darkest of situations.
The chemotherapy left her naturally cheeky, determined and articulate daughter quiet and hurting.
She said what helped bring Darcie back to her ``easygoing'' self was the donations of blood.
Among the almost 600 beads of courage Darcie was given for medical procedures are 16 red beads representing blood and platelet transfusions.
``I know the blood transfusions did prevent her from developing more serious side effects from the chemo.''
But the donations played a larger part in her daughter's fight, she said.
``I would say that giving blood is what allows her to come home.
``To see the cat and the dog and her brothers.
``It's what allows her to possibly see another birthday. It has helped her to get through.
``I wouldn't want to think where we would be without it.''
Darcie will return to Christchurch next week for her final scans.
Mrs Willis said it was her birthday next week and she hoped the news would be her best gift ever.
``When you have been given such bad news you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself though.''
* The New Zealand Blood Service has launched a campaign calling for 10,000 New Zealanders to register as first-time donors.
New Zealand Blood Donor recruitment team leader Alison Keast said 85% of New Zealanders had either A or O blood types, meaning they were the blood types which were also most in demand.
A number of New Zealand businesses and celebrities would remove the A's and O's from their names for the week, in support of the campaign, she said.
To register for the campaign click here
